When we were planning the trip, it was really important to SMS that we do a Via Ferrata, or Iron Path. There are several in the Alps and, basically, you walk on the side of a cliff along hammered in rungs while double-clipped into a steel cable. When you get to an iron stake securing the cable to the rock wall, you unclip and reclip one at a time so you always have one contact point.
Both of us thought it sounded really cool and it was a high priority. The easiest way to do it is to rent the equipment from a local outdoor store since the setup is different than a regular climbing harness. Basically, it’s two carabiners each on a slightly springy energy absorbing lanyard, both attached to a climbing harness. We rented the equipment the night before because we wanted to start before less-experienced people got on the trail. Each morning, the store has a rush of customers when it first opens at 9 but by going within about an hour of closing the day prior, the woman had no problem renting us the equipment for a 1-day price. This is only possible if you don’t need a lesson on the equipment, which I highly recommend if you feel unsure!

We got on the Via Ferrata around 8. We had it to ourselves, apart from three other people- all young men who were zipping along. The Via Ferrata starts in Mürren and descends to Gimmelwald. There are multiple rungs hammered into the cliff, narrow trails, multiple ladders and two bridges along the way. Local guides have access to a lockbox that allows a climber to zipline across one of the gorges but for people on their own, there is an equally cool (cooler, even?) 3 cable bridge.
I had so much fun although my sporadic fear of heights kicked in on the Nepal bridge. The initial part had handrails that were too high so I was just walking on an unstable planked narrow bridge. Ack! Don’t worry, I was definitely attached via the gear but I just really wanted to hold on with my hands too!
The Via descends over the course so it’s not too strenuous. The biggest factor is going to be comfort with the equipment. There are also outings and guides for hire, so don’t let inexperience stop you. It is really fun and an incredible way to see one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland! We were done by mid-morning and continued our day by traveling to Grindelwald. See the next post!
The photos below are roughly in sequence on what you’ll see along the way (well, SMS won’t be there but you know, the trail!)…






